
From the moment you step inside Don Cheech, you're transported. The warm, inviting atmosphere, with its rustic charm and subtle lighting, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. But it's not just the ambiance that shines – it's the food. Oh, the food! Don Cheech isn't just another Italian restaurant; it's an experience. They've clearly mastered the art of balancing classic Italian flavors with innovative twists. We started with the Arancini, which were perfectly crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth creamy on the inside, bursting with flavor. For our main courses, we opted for the Linguine with Clams and the Osso Buco. The linguine was cooked al dente, the sauce was light yet flavorful, and the clams were incredibly fresh. The Osso Buco, however, was the star of the show. The braised veal shank was fall-off-the-bone tender, infused with rich, savory flavors that lingered long after the last bite. It was, without a doubt, the best Osso Buco I've ever had. Beyond the exquisite food, the service at Don Cheech is impeccable. Our server, [Server's Name, if you remember it], was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the menu. They offered helpful recommendations and made sure we had everything we needed without being intrusive. The entire staff was friendly and welcoming, creating a truly enjoyable and relaxed dining atmosphere. Don Cheech also boasts an impressive wine list, carefully curated to complement their dishes. Our server helped us choose the perfect bottle to accompany our meal, further enhancing the overall experience. While the prices are certainly not the cheapest, the quality of the food, the exceptional service, and the overall ambiance make Don Cheech worth every penny. This isn't just a meal; it's an investment in a memorable culinary journey. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an exceptional dining experience, Don Cheech is the perfect choice. I can't recommend this restaurant highly enough. We will...
Read moreWhen we entered Don Cheech I was automatically transported back to my younger years in Brooklyn. This restaurant is a classic Italian-American resturant with great ambiance. We were greeted with a smile from the manager like she knew us forever. The lights were dimmed perfectly and the music was playing at the right volume. Then we were escorted to our table. At that moment we knew we would not be disappointed.
As soon as we sat down the owner/Chef Massimo took his time to welcome us and our dining experience began. We ordered the long hot peppers, which were amazing. They were made perfectly and the sauce was plentiful. The beef, sausage, provolone and grated parmigiano was perfectly balanced We loved dipping the fresh Italian bread and savoring every bite. Then the zucchini flowers were stuffed with ricotta and crab. After every bite of the zucchini flowers just bursted with flavor. We also order the escarola and cannellini soup. The soup reminded us of our mother”s homemade soup. This was just the beginning. We then ate our first course the stuffed gnocchi Cacio e Pepe. I was skeptical at first to order this dish because I thought it maybe too heavy. Well what a surprise ! It was the right amount of pasta, pepper and sauce. It was not overly filling and was the perfect first course.
Our journey continued and we ordered the Tomahawk steak for our second course. We devoured the Tomahawk within minutes. It was perfectly seared and the rosemary/seasoning popped. It was perfectly cooked to the correct temperature.
The Chef recommended the perfect wines for each course. The staff was also very attentive. After we completed our dinner the chef and his wife took the time to engage with us. We could not have asked for a better dining experience. This restaurant is gem and can...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining with friends at a wonderful Italian restaurant on Staten Island called Don Cheech. I would like to share my review. Here are some of the highlights:
Food The food was absolutely delicious, with a wide variety of traditional and inventive Italian dishes, gluten free and vegan to choose from. Our table of 6 friends ordered and shared multiple appetizers which included: stuffed long hot green peppers, Fried Calamari sautéed with cherry peppers, old school meatballs which were so light and truffles in carrozza. Each dish was expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. I ordered tuna which was a special for the day. It sat on a bed of arugula and a delicious pesto that had a touch of walnut. The presentation of the entree were also beautiful, making each dish a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Service The service was top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff. Owner and Executive Chef Massimo Felici made a point of visiting our table and was happy to answer any questions we had and made excellent recommendations. We never felt rushed and were able to enjoy a leisurely meal. Atmosphere The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with cozy lighting and tasteful decor. The restaurant had a relaxed and comfortable vibe, making it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal with friends or family. Overall, I highly recommend Don Cheech to anyone looking for a delicious and enjoyable dining experience. We are looking to...
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